British Intelligence Ukraine war map as of Jul. 11
British Intelligence update on Ukraine War as of Jul. 11
Recent intelligence reports from British sources shed light on Moscow’s tactics to ensure an adequate supply of “volunteers” for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The municipal authorities in Moscow are allegedly resorting to threats of contract withdrawal from construction firms that fail to meet quotas for providing individuals to serve in Ukraine. This coercive measure is expected to primarily affect ethnic minorities from economically disadvantaged regions such as Dagestan and central Asian states, who constitute a significant portion of the city’s construction workforce. The move, which appears to have the tacit endorsement of Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, reflects a broader strategy to minimize the impact of the war on more affluent Muscovites while maintaining the appearance of supporting the war effort.
Coercion through Contract Withdrawal:
According to British intelligence sources, Moscow’s municipal authorities have adopted a tactic of leveraging their influence over construction firms by threatening to withdraw contracts if they fail to meet specified quotas for providing “volunteers” for the Ukraine war. One company reportedly received a target of recruiting 30 volunteers by the end of August 2023. By tying compliance with contract continuation, the authorities are effectively pressuring the construction firms to ensure the enlistment of individuals to serve in the conflict.
Impact on Ethnic Minorities and Economically Disadvantaged Regions:
It is expected that the implementation of this coercive measure will disproportionately affect ethnic minorities from poorer regions of Russia, including areas like Dagestan and central Asian states. These regions are known to contribute a significant number of construction workers to Moscow’s labor force. The move places a burden on these individuals, potentially forcing them to participate in a conflict that may not align with their personal interests or values.
Mayor Sergey Sobyanin’s Role:
The intelligence reports suggest that Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin likely endorses or at least tolerates this tactic. This aligns with his previous efforts to shield more affluent Muscovites from the direct impact of the conflict while still appearing to support the war effort. By enforcing recruitment quotas on construction firms, the authorities can maintain the appearance of actively contributing to the conflict without directly conscripting individuals or imposing burdens on wealthier segments of the population.
Conclusion:
The recent intelligence from British sources provides insight into Moscow’s coercive tactics aimed at ensuring an adequate supply of “volunteers” for the Ukraine war. By threatening to withdraw contracts, the municipal authorities place pressure on construction firms to meet recruitment quotas. This strategy is expected to primarily affect ethnic minorities from economically disadvantaged regions who form a significant portion of Moscow’s construction workforce. Mayor Sergey Sobyanin’s perceived endorsement or tolerance of these measures highlights a broader effort to shield more affluent Muscovites from the direct impact of the conflict while maintaining the appearance of supporting the war effort. As the conflict continues, it remains to be seen how these coercive measures will further shape the dynamics of Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine war.
